Hats off to Chili's Bar and Grill

I must say, there is not much I crave at a chain, but the Old Timer hamburger at Chili's is great. Had one today for lunch after an absence of a month. Just a plain burger, mustard, lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun, with great fries. $6 or so. Can't be topped in my opinion.

I haven't had one of those at Chili's(haven't eaten in a Chili's in over 15 years...not that I'd turn my nose up at it if it presented itself). But, I just wanted to post that the above as described is my favorite burger...no mayo, no catsup, no cheese...I'd add onions(raw), but they're not necessary. It's pathetic how such a simple presentation is nearly impossible to find without making all sorts of substitutions/additions at name-your-local-franchise. You can find a similar burger on the menu at some Sonics(too bad there ain't none in my region). Anyway...I'll do a specialty burger a la In n Out animal style, but only if there's *really* no other choice and the place is really only at their best(again like In n Out) if you order from the menu...I suppose animal style is off menu, you know what I mean. Anyway...enough about using In n Out as an example of speciality burgers done right and back to Chili's...yay for having the balls and palate to know when simple is best..

Chile's is one of the only chains that I like consistently. My husband is the all-time picky eater and wants everything plain ..he ALWAYS orders the grilled chickem sandwhich and has them hold everything (no condiments, no veggies, nothing) and aks for a piece of swiss cheese melted on it ...and they always get it right. He says it is also the tastiest checken breast he has ever eaten. I, on the other hand, eat my way throught the menu (I must say that the Peppercorn Burger is one thing I keep going back to) and I have rarely been disappointed. Gourmet, no, but well prepared, good service, reasonable price, a great place when on the road and not familiar with the local spots.

many states, including hawaii, prohibit burgers from being cooked less than medium. one of the restaurants here used to have chits you could sign saying you wanted it MR, but the health dept. made them stop that. Medium or more. Period, end of story.